Point of View

The novel is written in the third person. The narrator is not a character in the story and is reliable and knows all details. The narrator describes not only the actions but also the feelings and thoughts of the characters.

Setting

The novel is set in the north of France, primarily in a fictional town called Royale-les-Eaux. The town is described as having been a declining seaside town before the local water source was found to contain beneficial amounts of sulfur. The town re-brands itself as a healthful seaside resort. The local casino receives a makeover and its popularity increases. There is a significant organized crime presence, with gangsters running many of the gambling operations.

The novel takes place in the 1950's during the Cold War following World War II.

Language and Meaning

The language of the novel is British English. The book was written in...